Rep. Cisneros Introduces Bill to Grant Honorary Posthumous Citizenship to Filipinos Who Served and Died in the U.S. Military During World War II
Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31) and Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) introduced a bipartisan bill, the Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar Posthumous Citizenship Act, that would grant symbolic, honorary posthumous U.S. citizenship to select Filipino noncitizens who served and died in the U.S. military during World War II.
The bill is named after Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar, who served in the United States Army for six enlistments with the Philippine Scouts and was killed in action during the Battle of Bataan on January 25, 1942. For his service, Cpl. Baltazar received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and has a headstone at Arlington National Cemetery. For generations, his family has attempted to obtain posthumous citizenship, but they have been unsuccessful because the current requirements for servicemembers does not offer a pathway for non-citizens who were enlisted, reenlisted, extended enlistment, or were inducted in the Philippines. This legislation would amend this.
“Our nation made a promise to Filipino servicemembers who joined our U.S. Military during WWII and we need to keep it. They fought and died during some of the most historic battles in our nation's history. These individuals were promised American citizenship,” said Rep. Cisneros. “These brave Filipino servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation’s values and freedom, and it is time we make things right by granting them symbolic posthumous U.S. citizenship. This legislation will right a wrong and bring an overdue honor to Filipino families across America.”
“Proud to co-lead the bipartisan Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar Posthumous Citizenship Act, honoring World War II Filipino heroes who fought and died under the U.S. flag,” said Rep. Sessions. “Over 200,000 Philippine Scouts served bravely, including Cpl. Baltazar, who fell at Bataan and now rests at Arlington. This bill grants symbolic, honorary posthumous citizenship to these fallen soldiers. A fitting tribute to their courage and sacrifice."
“They fought for the country. That’s the essence—their service, their sacrifice. They earned it through their blood,” said Gregg Baltazar Timbol, grandson of Corporal Fernando Ruiz Baltazar. “For those who served honorably, they have sacrificed so much for this country, they died unquestioning, uncomplaining and with faith in their hearts, victory at their ends.”
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